Words of Hope and Inspiration

While running a contest, I had residents enter it by submitting their message of hope and inspiration. Here are the results. You might need a kleenex for these beautifully written messages. You can still send in yours, by contacting me.

A Collaboration of Emails by Angie McConnell

To the family of Slave Lake who’s father & husband passed away the day before the fire; to the family of the fellow that passed away on the way out of town; to the family who lost their loved one a week before the fire and had to deal with not yet burying him, etc – our condolences and prayers are with your families. To the family of Jean-Luc Deba who died when his helicopter crashed into Slave Lake while he was fighting the fire; he was a hero and always will be in our hearts.To Justin Campbell of BC, who was severely hurt while fighting fires and is now in his home province,recovering after finally being released from an Edmonton hospital; we are so glad to hear you are doing better and hope you have a speedy recovery. Thank you!

To the family of Slave Lake who is in Edmonton displaced with dad sleeping on a couch because their mother & wife is sick and going in for a third surgery – while you are trying to make things work and keep up hope remember this – we are praying for you.

To the emergency personnel and volunteers and hospital workers who watched as their families and friends drove to safety, as you stayed behind and fought that fire and helped others, we hope all those tests they did come back clean of heavy metal toxins and anything else that can harm you, and thanks to CNRL for bringing in the doctors to do those tests and giving you those supplements free! Here is to you passing free and clear, and remember you are forever heros! To those who lost homes, I hope you soon can get into a new home again, and start building new happy memories there, and cherish the times in your old home. Although those irreplaceables can never be replaced, keep the hope and know even though there are good days and bad - we are thinking of you everyday. To those who can’t go back to their homes due to damage, or those who didn’t lose a home, you are in our thoughts as well. Because the community and MD are going through this struggle together, helping each other out –together. To the men and women who took charge of their towns and did massive drives, coordinating, sorting, coordinating, sorting, calling around and hauling needs to evac centers and Slave Lake; Nikita B, Peggy Z-R, Reilly, Brook Water Pure & Simple, Kinettes of Stettler, Maxim Storage Grande Prairie, Allison B, Trinity Lutheran School, Chelsea F, and more –you people are amazing! To the Evacuation Centers, Athabasca, Westlock, Smith, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Peace River, High Prairie towns and counties and MDs – volunteers that worked countless hours, feeding, helping, sorting donations and the FCSS personnel – you all deserve big thanks!

To the Red Cross volunteers who have come from far away to help out and do what they can to get residents back on their feet; even though those assessments take awhile to do, you have no idea in the end, when they are done and the help goes out, the impact you have made.The hundreds and thousands of people and companies who donated money, and are still waiting to donate – your funds will help hundreds rebuild, thank you.Let’s stop the alienation of neighbours who didn’t lose anything.There is no sense playing the blame game.People are mad because their neighbors place survived, theirs didn't - People are so guilty because their place survived and others didn't - Its damned if you do, damned if you don't.You maybe lost something, or lost everything. Right now everyone is going through hell, but just keep on going - because divided we fall, but united we stand – and rebuild.

so sad really, luckily our family survived the fire ok and don't have one of the basements that has flooded numerous times....nor mould or sewage to deal with. The insured are really no better off than the uninsured since the fights to get what is fair are massive here. Breaks my heart to think of all the children waiting for the bus at the campgrounds, its 3 degrees here right now , I'm froze, how do they think people are going to survive in campers until possibly December. Maybe all that money being used to house Redcross workers might be better used to get this housing problem moving....bring people in for this and house them....have you bought school supplies lately? $50.00 doesn't even come close to the needs of these numerous children, if you even qualify for the voucher. Also the donation center was a wonderful idea....too bad it happened when we came back from exile and now after many people not needing pillaged the center....what is left for the people who will really need it in the coming months? absolutely NOTHING!!! ALL the money that was donated to Slave Lake should be used in Slave Lake, for housing and helping ALL in need. What happened to "Good thing I had insurance?" seems as if the punishment for being responsible for your family and the things you've worked so hard for...is the downfall for the families here. There are many leaving, giving up the "fight". The negativity and sadness is too much. Who could blame them? Personally if we had to wait until zone 4 is in effect would have been long gone! These people have not only lost houses and possessions, they have lost their homes....memories and that safe place they know they can go when things are getting them down. How can we ever make up for that? Thanks for taking the time to read this and when you are snuggled all warm in your bed in your HOME, with your families think of all the people who have nothing. If I had a million dollars.... :(Krista Curtis, Slave Lake ResidentLisaTown of Slave Lake ResidentMy Husband and I describe ourselves as late bloomers...I had gone to complete 7 years of post-secondary education and he was working and living out his childhood dream of playing Hockey. We didn't actually start growing up until last year when we purchased our first home in the Southeast. It was one of the most exciting that the two of us had done since our wedding in 2008. We were overwhelmed by the support and well wishes from our many dear friends, family and co-workers in Slave Lake when we did actually purchase our home (it's about time was the most common response). We had the most wonderful neighbours surrounding us and shared many memories in our beloved home. Sharing this information with you is a method for me to deal with what my husband and I have experience as a result of losing our home. We feel blessed that all of our family and friends are safe and still with us. We have taken the time to grieve our loss, our belongings, and our home. We have also been a support to many of our family and friends during this whole ordeal and we again feel very fortunate to have such wonderful people from Slave Lake and beyond thinking about us, loving us, and most of all trying to help us. My husband and I were apart during the fires, he being in the industry that works on fires, staying home and me away with family and friends. Once we were reunited, about a month apart from each other, we found that people took care of us individually in ways that kind words could never describe. People sent him care packages, brought him toiletries and providing me with clothing and gift cards to get the things that I required. I guess in saying all of this I just want everyone is Slave Lake and area to know how fortunate we are to be living in such a strong, supportive community that has worked so hard to rebuild our town, our spirits, and our faith. I believe that everyone deep down in their hearts is doing everything in their power to make everyone in Slave Lake happy which is seeming to be an impossible task. Thank you so much to everyone for the work you have done, the work you continue to do, and all of your time and effort that you will put in over the next couple of years. I cannot believe how far we as a town have come since this disaster, and I again look forward to seeing where we are in the years to come. As my husband and I wait to rebuild on the same street, with the same neighbors and friends, we anticipate what the future has in store for us. If there is anything that we can do to support the town as we all move forward we will do so. I say this because as a group we can move forward and accomplish, individually it is too daunting of a task to even imagine. We are looking forward and all it will have to offer, and will continue to remember what was once our lives, and cerishing the past. All our Love, Robert and Lisa Gall.Martha Town of Slave Lake ResidentMy teens and I lost our home, along with many other residents in Slave Lake. Everything we have ever owned is gone - all our pictures, treasured mementos, special gifts. Through all this loss and disaster, we have had the kindest of people helping us - providing us with a home to live in, furnishing the house for us, giving us money for groceries, donating clothes! The true nature of human beings shines through in a disaster like this. And the help keeps coming, from businesses like Winners, Subway, Wal-Mart, banks who have forgiven loan payments on a temporary basis, individual businesses who have donated clothes that were lost in the fire, individuals who have donated to the Red Cross. Even the Royal Couple blessed Slave Lake with their presence! These acts of kindnesses show how important Slave Lake and its residences are to the world. We are not alone - we have the bounty of humans worldwide to help us. With their help, and each other, we will succeed in re-establishing ourselves and our community.

LindaTown of Slave Lake ResidentMy name is Linda, I am married to David. We have 2 daughters, Emma (10) and Jenna (3 1/2). At the time of the wildfire we also had 2 foster children (2 1/2 and 10 months). Unfortunately we lost our home at 9th Ave SE on May 15th. It is hard to see hope in the weeks following that day. I would say to people that with everything lost the most valuable thing was saved...my friends and neighbours. I can’t wait to drive by their homes, wave to them and have their kids at my house again. I look forward to children running and laughing as they trick or treating along the streets that are now ash covered and quiet.Suzanne Town of Slave Lake ResidentI am 39yrs old, married with 4 children (15, 13, 7 & 2). Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the Miracle On May 15th. He sent so many angels to keep each and everyone of us safe. The devastation is a so very sad but the spirit of the community will see us all through and one day our town will be beautiful once more. Slave Lake is a special place filled with so many wonderful, caring, generous people and my prayer to those of you feeling so broken is that each day fills you all with a little more faith, hope and love! May God Bless each and every one of you.Norine MD #124 ResidentWe were the 4th home to be burnt out Friday night before Slave Lake was evacuated, we had no insurance, but we are strong in hope and we want to help rebuild this town we call home. My husband and I both work in Slave Lake and have many friends here who also lost their homes. Our Message of Hope is that those that need help to rebuild will get that help so they don't have to move because they lost everything and have to start all over.

Suzette Town of Slave Lake ResidentI've only been a member of the Slave Lake community for four years but it quickly became my home. I love the small town/everyone knows everyone feel of this town. It's a wonderful place to live and work. I did lose my home in the fire on May 15 but I also lost my workplace; I worked in the government centre. On May 16 I did tell myself that I wasn't coming back that I was going back to the east coast but that was just a momentary lapse of sanity because I soon realized that yes I was going back. This little town is my home and I love it here. I may be living in a motel right now and displaced at work but this isn't going to last forever and eventually live will get back to normal. I have faith in this town and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.ShirleyTown of Slave Lake ResidentI pray for everyone affected by the fire to have the strength to get through this disaster and move forward with hope for a new future. My husband died four years ago and somehow I found the strength to cope and move forward. I know that no matter what I do, I will never have him back. I eventually came to realize that I was going to be okay. I hope that everyone comes to that conclusion in time. May God bless you!Geraldine Town of Slave Lake ResidentWe lost our home and vehicle in Zone 4, in the S.E. of Slave Lake. Our message of hope is: Life experiences can make us bitter or better. Let us choose to become better and learn from our experience and use it to make us more loving and understanding to those who are facing their own life struggles. It's always comforting to know we are not alone in our experiences. Also instead of looking back to what was, I am creating a new normal.JenniferTown of Slave Lake ResidentOn may 15th our family made a quick decision to leave our home. My husband Gord and I quickly gathered some photos and a couple of sets of clothing for each of us and our kids. Our son celebrated his 4th Birthday while we were evacuated. Although Liam is only 4 he has a great understanding of what has happened and remains upbeat. Our youngest son, Dane has been a trooper. Through all of the ups and downs, he has kept us laughing. And finally our cat Rocky is settling in to our temporary situation. We are all healthy and happy and feeling very grateful to have such amazing support. Being part of this tragedy has made all of us stronger and created a unique bond. With so many wonderful people backing our community we can achieve great things. This little town is full of hardworking dedicated people and will come back stronger than ever. Thank you for this opportunity! JenniferSamy Town of Slave Lake ResidentThis beautiful town will do it again, most made it though the flooding on 1988 which is also the same area were the fire got more damaged, their perseverance will come though once again

LindseyTown of Slave Lake Residenthi I’m 23 I’m a single mother to two little boys. We lost our home and were forced 2 find last min arrangements 2 hold is one of my sons 1st birthday at a school gym. He is having difficulty being in the city and misses his home as do we all. This will be my 3rd year starting over. I moved to Kikino to be with my fiancée and I was there with him till he had 2 go back to work firefighting. I went home to slave to be near my family doctor and had my son in the city. He passed away when he was a month old and we came back to our hometown which was a big help and great to be near family and I know the area so well it just felt right. My sons miss the town that they have been with for so long and we are hoping to go back very soon. (***Note: This family took part in our free family photo shoots and were a delightful, kind and caring family. We got to meet the grandparents too. Hope you can make it back to Slave Lake soon too.)SuzanneTown of Slave Lake ResidentMy spouse and I have lived in the Town of Slave Lake since 1969, we started our business here in 1973. This town has been our home (you could say we are old-timers here), Slave Lake has been good to us, it has helped us to grow in many ways. We thank all Slave Lakers for their support and we very much appreciate being part of the business community for the past 38 years. My two children were born in Slave Lake and have both grown up and moved on. We are now the proud grandparents of two adorable little munchkins. Our hearts are broken since the recent fire disaster in Slave Lake. We are mourning with the community for all that was lost and never will be. We are very fortunate to still have our home and business and we can't thank the emergency workers most from all over that came to save our town and our lives. Although we don't know you please be assured of our undying appreciation and utmost gratitude. Our sincere sympathies go out to Jean-Luc's family. He is definitely one of our greatest heroes and will never be forgotten.We will rebuild, it will take a long time, we are united, we are strong and WE LOVE SLAVE LAKE.Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

Sonny Town of Slave Lake ResidentPromote Happiness in what we are thankful for...Friends, Family and Loved Ones.

Wanda Town of Slave Lake ResidentHello, I am the wife of one of the Slave Lake firefighters and we have lived in Slave Lake for 15 years. The town has offered our family so much and we were greatly affected seeing our friend’s homes. Even though there are signs of destruction around us, there are signs of hope like my friend who lost everything but in her green house found her baskets of flower still alive when she went to her property, seeing a complete transformation at the curling rink due to 200+ volunteers, and the gradual process of the clean up at the site of Century 21. These small pieces of hope will gradually grow bit by bit but we have to give everyone time.Shannon MD #124 ResidentOur home was saved while the Widewater Fire Hall and the homes of some of the volunteer fire fighters burned. The sequence of events that resulted in my family returning to an untouched home surrounded by ashes can only be the will of the angels looking out for us that day. I have never been so grateful to still have what I thought was lost. To all of our friends and neighbours that were not so lucky: we will be there for you when you rebuild. If we work together, we can make our communities stronger than they were.Rhoda Town of Slave Lake ResidentBe strong we will rebuild this beautiful community...

VickiTown of Slave Lake ResidentI would tell my fellow citizens to never give up, things can only get better from here. I've told several of my friends this already! I lived in Pine Manor on 6th SE which was burned to the ground, never had time to get anything out, so sad. I have a 12 yr old daughter that went through so much from this whole ordeal. I keep reminding her that things will work out, u will get your things back in time but it's so hard because kids do not have the understanding that us adults have.My big statement since all this as happened is u just can't give up! We will rebuild and be stronger than ever as the statement goes:)AzureTown of Slave Lake ResidentI have been a resident of slave for 5 years. I met my husband Steve here and we have 2 children...Kira (3 years) and Kylee (18 months). We lost our home on 12 street. I know that I have my family and that means more to me than a house. I can replace my house not my family!!!Lori Town of Slave Lake ResidentFor all those who lost so much our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!! You have a whole town of wonderful people behind you.ShelleyTown of Slave Lake ResidentOne good thing that has come out of this disaster is that my faith in humanity has been restored. It is truly heart warming to see all the support we have received all over the country. Lately the media is all negative, killings in Edmonton, riots in Vancouver etc. You forget that these people are such a small minority of such a wonderful society....This has reminded me!Shelley Perkins

Christiana MD #124 ResidentMy two daughters (Eriana 10 and Jordann 14) and I lost our home, sheds, and our belongings. Although we lost a life of material stuff (proves my point, money can't buy happiness because I am still happy without it). I believe something good comes out of something bad. We can rebuild, we can start over somewhere else, or modify a bit. It is kind of a freedom card you might say. Fire is a very cleansing thing...it burns stuff.... Turns it to ashes... Then when things start to grow... They grow back even greener!! Have faith, stay strong, and make it a positive experience from now on. Live your life to the fullest no matter what!!!With love, prayers, and hugs. We can all rebuild better and stronger. Love Christiana, Eriana, and JordannTyler Town of Slave Lake ResidentThrough hell (2011 Fire) or high water (1988 Flood) we will endure and rebuild.

StefanTown of Slave Lake ResidentTo the town Mayor and Councillors that did not sign up for this mess but find themselves thrust into the unimaginable... stay strong, keep your head high and push forward!Denise MD #124 ResidentWe lost our garage, shed, damage on the house and all the trees are gone....only me and my husband and our sweet peanut (mini-dax) we live in Widewater, we are good people with big hearts, like to help when we can. Right now we are helping but need help also.....We will re-build stronger and better..... By the way so happy that we had a beautiful visit by Prince Wlliam and sweet angel Princess Kate.Denise HoltJillian Town of Slave Lake ResidentMy message of hope is simple: keep moving forward. It's so easy to dwell on what has happened; instead, gather strength from the past to look forward to the future. I've lived in Slave Lake for 4 years, and one of the main reasons we moved here from Newfoundland was because of the amazing community spirit! Three months after moving here, my husband and I went to the Parade of Lights to kick off the Christmas season, and we were floored by how it seemed that everyone in town was lining both sides of Main Street to see the parade. Many community events like this draw people together to enjoy each others' company. I've experienced how truly wonderful it is to be welcomed into a community so easily. As a teacher moving far from home, I was very nervous, but so many of my colleagues took me under their wing & made me feel like I was at home. When family members come visit, they are amazed that I can't go anywhere without stopping to say hello to friends and colleagues. My heart is filled with hope that the people of Slave Lake who choose to stay in this wonderful community will rebuild and continue to make Slave Lake a great place for our 11mth old daughter (and all the children of Slave Lake) to grow up in. Keep strong!Lydia Town of Slave Lake ResidentMy family lives and works in Slave Lake, we have had the opportunity to speak to so many who have lost everything :( So very sad...Our hearts go out to our community. We will rebuild. Out of the ashes comes beauty.TTell Us About Yourself/Family and Your Message of Hope:keep your chin up it will all be okayNeal Town of Slave Lake ResidentHe can give beauty for ashes.Andrea Town of Slave Lake ResidentLet's learn from the mistakes and move forward!Deloris Town of Slave Lake ResidentI have lived here since 1972 and have seen a few close fires,flooding in 1988 and I am still here, this disaster will make us stronger in the end and a closer knit community. The rebuilding will be beautiful again in the future.RogerWell folks me and my missus used to live in Slave Lake. Yet after the fire we decided to move on and try our luck in Edmonton. However, our thoughts and prayers are with those with the courage to pick up the pieces and soldier on!It is said that each journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Many of you are well on your way! The pain of loss lessens with each step, new memories and photo's will be created.So I say carry on regardless! Once more unto the breach dear friends! May God guide you all and lighten your loads as well as heal your grief.

Paula MD #124 ResidentAfter the fire, like many people we felt all hope was lost. But with positive thinking, prayers and determination, we rose from the ashes and on June 22 we had our new home delivered! Now we are able to help our neighbours and the rest of the community rebuild!Melodie Town of Slave Lake ResidentI am a wife and mother of 2 little boys, expecting our third child in December. I am a homemaker and also babysit other people's children 4 days a week. My message of hope would be to say that even though it hurts to lose material things, they are not important, the things that are important in life are relationships. And when you die you can't take those things with you anyhow... but you can store up treasures in Heaven by how you live your life.Linnea Town of Slave Lake ResidentThe days will be long, but the years will be short!Robin Town of Slave Lake ResidentWe lost everything that can be replaced. We still have everything that can't.Joshua Town of Slave Lake ResidentMy wife and our one year old baby girl lost our home to the fire. Since then I have been working 7 days a week helping families homes, as I am in restoration. Don't worry about the things you can't change.

KimTown of Slave Lake ResidentI was evacuated and lost my apt. Just when you think that life sucks, it really doesnt. The help and support I have had from strangers in stores to friends and gift cards and offers of many things. I am not alone. Here I thought I couldnt handle this on my own, but I am not alone.ShawnaLee MD #124 ResidentWe have learnt that the things on earth are only temporary. Do not place your hope in them. The people of this community, this province, and this great country of ours have joined together and helped us during our time of need.LisaTown of Slave Lake ResidentKeep calm and carry on. We will rebuild!Maria Town of Slave Lake ResidentI have a profound respect for all involved in getting our town to the point it is today. After just a little over a month, I am thrilled with the progress. We have strong town council and I look forward to a bright future in Slave Lake!Alison Town of Slave Lake ResidentMy name is Alison. I have lived in slave lake for about 20 years. I live in the north east with my family. My husband and our 2 kids. I work at the hospital in the pharmacy. I just want to say that we have to be so thankful that nobody was killed in this fire. We lost houses, and other personal possessions. Most of these can be replaced, or rebuilt. People can start over again. Get new memories. We have a chance to build a new slave lake. Better than it has ever been. We need to be thankful that we have this chance. We need to be thankful that EVERYBODY in slave lake has this chance.Jason Town of Slave Lake ResidentWe are a family of seven and we have been given great assistance from neighbours, friends and people we will never know or be able to thank enough.Thank you

Judi Town of Slave Lake ResidentTwenty five years ago, when I first moved here, I lived in Lakeland Apartments. It was the best two years of my life! Then I returned to my home town and met my best friend and husband, Ron. One month after our tenth anniversary, we had the privilege of returning to this beautiful little town. When we finally decided to purchase a home, we were left with two choices; one in the southeast, one in southwest. We chose the one in the southwest. We still live here! Slave Lake was once known as Alberta's best kept secret. That probably ended on May 15. It was also known as Alberta's jewel in the North Country. Slave Lake will rise from these ashes and become the Jewel in the North Country again! We are a small town, but we have a BIG heart! We will re-build and be better than we were before. Just hang in there and lend a hand. If we ALL do our part, we will ALL be part of the final transformation of our town. It will rise from the moonscape it has been described as recently, to be a jewel of the north again!Judi Wood

Amy Town of Slave Lake ResidentI was one of many that lost everything. We lost our home, our vehicles, our possessions and our office. One thing we will always have is the memories of our house and our home. We lost so much more than 'stuff'. I have what is important - my family.

Kelly Town of slave lake residentMy husband and I lost our home as well. While our home was burning my husband was working as a volunteer as an auxiliary member of the RCMP. I believe everyone did what they could. This fire was fast and strong.My message of hope....that everyone be patient and we will rebuild. As the saying goes from the ashes we will rise up.I am a former resident of Slave Lake and my heart and prayers go out to everyone in Slave Lake. “Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”